Reevaluating Gender Roles in Disney’s Mulan

When Disney released the animated film "Mulan" in 1998, it was praised for its progressive portrayal of a strong female protagonist. However, revisiting the film in a contemporary context reveals that its underlying narrative reinforces traditional gender roles, making it a fascinating study in gender theory. Gender theory, which explores how individuals become gendered and how societal expectations maintain these roles throughout life, becomes an essential lens through which to analyze "Mulan." The film, set against the backdrop of the Han Dynasty, follows Fa Mulan as she defies societal norms by taking her father's place in the Imperial Army during a Hun invasion.

By doing this, she challenges but also inadvertently reinforces gender stereotypes.

Masculine Stereotypes

Throughout "Mulan," the film consistently highlights the societal expectations of masculinity. This is most evident during the training montage set to the song "I'll Make a Man Out of You." The opening lines, "Let's get down to business, to defeat the Huns; did they send me daughters when I asked for sons?" emphasize the belief that only men are suited for combat and war. The song suggests that the recruits, despite being male, lack the necessary masculinity and must be molded into "real men" by Captain Shang. This portrayal not only reinforces the stereotype that men must be strong and dominant but also marginalizes those who do not conform to these rigid expectations. The metaphorical comparison of men to "typhoons" and "raging fires" further cements the idea that masculinity is synonymous with strength and aggression. Such depictions can be harmful, particularly for individuals who may feel disconnected from these traditional male attributes. The song also carries a sexist undertone, suggesting that men are inherently superior to women, which is a recurring theme in the film and aligns with traditional gender theory.

Feminine Stereotypes

Similarly, "Mulan" perpetuates feminine stereotypes, particularly in the song "Honor to Us All," which plays during the matchmaker scene. This song outlines the societal pressure on women to become ideal brides, thereby bringing honor to their families through marriage. Lyrics such as "A girl can bring her family; Great honor in one way; By striking a good match; And this could be the day" encapsulate the narrative that a woman's primary role is to secure a husband. While this perspective may have been accepted in 206 B.C., it is increasingly outdated in today's society. Although Mulan defies these expectations by joining the military, the film depicts her failure to impress the matchmaker as a source of shame, reinforcing the notion that a woman's worth is tied to her marital status. The closing lines of the song, "We all must serve our Emperor; Who guards us against the Huns; A man by bearing arms; A girl by bearing sons," further solidify these stereotypes by implying that a woman's ultimate role is to bear children and ensure lineage continuity.

Breaking Gender Binaries

Despite its reinforcement of gender norms, "Mulan" also illustrates the challenges of breaking free from these entrenched binaries. Gender theory highlights how deeply institutionalized gender roles are, making deviation from them seem daunting. This is evident when Captain Shang defends Mulan, stating, "She's a hero," only to be dismissed by Chi-Fu, who counters with, "She's a woman. She'll never be worth anything." Even after Mulan's heroic acts, her gender diminishes her value in the eyes of some, underscoring the societal struggle to accept women in roles traditionally reserved for men.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "Mulan" presents a narrative of female empowerment, it simultaneously reinforces traditional gender stereotypes. By closely examining the film through the lens of gender theory, it becomes evident that the portrayal of both masculine and feminine roles is deeply rooted in societal expectations. The film succeeds in highlighting the difficulty of challenging these boundaries, as seen in Mulan's journey. However, the persistent reinforcement of these stereotypes suggests that true gender equality requires more profound societal change. "Mulan" serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in navigating and transforming gender roles, making it a valuable text for continued discussion and analysis. With greater awareness and critical examination, future narratives can strive to break free from these constraints, offering more inclusive and diverse representations of gender.

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